"Openness Challenges The Traditional Closed Nature Of Hardware IPS To Create Standardised Solutions"
Electronics For You|September 2024
In an interview with EFY’s Yashasvini Razdan, Alex P. James, Dean of Academics at Digital University Kerala, argues that an open AI hardware ecosystem could democratise access to hardware design tools and IPs, much like the Linux movement did for software.
"Openness Challenges The Traditional Closed Nature Of Hardware IPS To Create Standardised Solutions"

What do you mean by an open AI hardware ecosystem?

In hardware design, intellectual properties (IPs) are often closed, posing a challenge for countries like India with abundant talent but limited access to expensive tools. Efforts such as Chip to Startup aim to democratise access, but they reach only a fraction of potential users, considering the vast student base and aspiring researchers. Therefore, the concept of openness entails two crucial aspects. First, openness provides access to free and open source tools, thus expanding accessibility beyond those restricted by costly proprietary software. Second, it pertains to making IPs open, enabling democratised development where individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute, akin to the Linux open source movement. Embracing openness allows for an open innovation culture in hardware. Openness challenges the traditional closed nature of hardware IPs to create standardised solutions, such as a universally open USB standard, or other such technologies.

How will it affect business opportunities in the electronics hardware ecosystem?

It is only going to increase. So, keeping things open is going to reduce the barrier of entry. Currently, funding and access to tools and specific IPs are major barriers. With an open framework, access to these tools, IPs, and design methodologies becomes much easier, allowing more people to start. While many first-year students can easily use Python libraries to build applications, far fewer can build a chip or have access to the necessary resources.

What about AI tools which can help designers with entire chip designs?

True, but how do you validate it against a problem? If there is an IP owned by another entity and the designer tries to generate it, they will run into legal complications.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELECTRONICS FOR YOUView all
Wearable Automatic ASSISTANCE GLOVE
Electronics For You

Wearable Automatic ASSISTANCE GLOVE

This proposed prototype works by wearing the glove and either touching a specific finger with the thumb or pressing a special switch.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
BLUETOOTH CONTROL Through Mobile
Electronics For You

BLUETOOTH CONTROL Through Mobile

Creating a Bluetooth-controlled device with an Arduino Uno and an HC-05 Bluetooth module enables control of lights or even relays to manage AC appliances wirelessly using an Android smartphone.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Raspberry-Pi Based WAVEFORM GENERATOR
Electronics For You

Raspberry-Pi Based WAVEFORM GENERATOR

A waveform generator is a commonly used test and measurement instrument in electronics laboratories.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
World's Smallest Programable INDUSPHONE DESIGN
Electronics For You

World's Smallest Programable INDUSPHONE DESIGN

Smartphones have become a necessity in daily life.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
AUTOMATIC WIPER CONTROL For Three/Four Wheelers
Electronics For You

AUTOMATIC WIPER CONTROL For Three/Four Wheelers

The integration of a 555 timer and L293D motor driver in an automatic wiper control device presents a practical and efficient solution for enhancing driver safety and convenience.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
EMS Vs Components Manufacturing: EMPLOYMENT IN ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY OF INDIA
Electronics For You

EMS Vs Components Manufacturing: EMPLOYMENT IN ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY OF INDIA

A recent article in a leading business newspaper reported that industry executives, during a government meeting, had suggested that EMS firms create more employment than electronics component manufacturers-for every rupee invested. To verify this claim, a review was conducted with both component manufacturers and EMS firms, as well as several trade associations.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Why Did Rajguru Electronics, A Leading Distributor Of Components And Development Boards, Enter Manufacturing?
Electronics For You

Why Did Rajguru Electronics, A Leading Distributor Of Components And Development Boards, Enter Manufacturing?

After nearly three decades in distribution, Rajguru Electronics pivoted to manufacturing, setting up a unit for its ADIY subsidiary in Bengaluru. EFY's Yashasvini Razdan interviewed CEO Dileep Jain to explore the reasons behind the shift and the company's growth strategy.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
"We Are Building FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS With Drone Assembly And Maintenance Training"
Electronics For You

"We Are Building FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS With Drone Assembly And Maintenance Training"

AVPL is creating village-level entrepreneurs and jobs through drone technology and agriculture training. In an interview with EFY's Nitisha, Co-founder and Chairman Preet Sandhu discloses how their 70 centres across 12 states offer offline courses in RPC and agricultural spraying.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
"Becoming CLEAR"
Electronics For You

"Becoming CLEAR"

From a nonchalant teenager to authoring a book on Verilog at 25 and launching successful IPOs for startups on the US stock market, Rajeev Madhavan exemplifies how the right guidance can transform a life. This is the story of one of Silicon Valley's most influential venture capitalists, as narrated to Yashasvini Razdan.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2024
THINKRAW INDIA'S SOLAR SOLUTIONS FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Electronics For You

THINKRAW INDIA'S SOLAR SOLUTIONS FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

ThinkRaw's blend of technology and tradition is revolutionising agriculture with solar-powered solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming and aquaculture.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024